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Ideomotor apraxia is a cognitive disorder most often resulting from acquired brain lesions (i.e., strokes or tumors). Neuroimaging and lesion studies have implicated several brain regions in praxis and apraxia, but most studies have described (sub)acute patients. This study aimed to extend previous research by analyzing data from 115 left hemisphere chronic stroke patients using the praxis subtest of the Western Aphasia Battery, which is divided into four action types: facial, upper limb, complex, and instrumental. Lesion-symptom mapping was used to identify brain regions most critically associated with difficulties in each of the four subtests. Complex and instrumental action deficits were associated with left precentral, postcentral, and superior parietal gyri (Brodmann areas 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6), while the facial and upper limb action deficits maps were restricted to left inferior, middle, and medial temporal gyri (Brodmann areas 20, 21, 22, and 48). We discuss ideas about neuroplasticity and cortical reorganization in chronic stroke and how different methodologies can reveal different aspects of lesion and recovery networks in apraxia.

Although it is sometimes falsely assumed that faculty remains static and unchanging in higher education, faculty plays a crucial role in advancing the positive outcomes for change within higher education (Jimenez et al, 2019). A concern which has been around for many decades is whether or not the listing of desired qualifications on faculty job postings results in the hiring of faculty with the knowledge, skills, and attributes that are being sought (Marcus, 1977). Job ads reflect the nature of today's labor market (Carnevale et. al, 2014). The purpose of this explorative study is to review the changing patterns within business faculty job postings over a three-year period. More specifically: To what extent have faculty job postings for business schools evolved during the last three years? How are these job postings evolving concerning experiential learning, learning modality (i.e., online/distance vs face-to-face learning), and diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Understanding and interpreting how words are organized in a sentence to convey distinct meanings is a cornerstone of human communication. The neural underpinnings of this ability, known as syntactic comprehension, are far from agreed upon in current neurocognitive models of language comprehension. Traditionally, left frontal regions (e.g. left posterior inferior frontal gyrus) were considered critical, while more recently, left temporal regions (most prominently, left posterior middle temporal gyrus) have been identified as more indispensable to syntactic comprehension. Syntactic processing has been investigated by using different types of non-canonical sentences i.e. those that do not follow prototypical word order and are considered more syntactically complex. However, non-canonical sentences can be complex for different linguistic reasons, and thus, their comprehension might rely on different neural underpinnings. In this cross-sectional study, we explored the neural correlates of syntactic comprehension by investigating the roles of left hemisphere brain regions and white matter pathways in processing sentences with different levels of syntactic complexity. Participants were assessed at a single point in time using structural MRI and behavioural tests. Employing lesion-symptom mapping and indirect structural disconnection mapping in a cohort of 131 left hemisphere stroke survivors, our analysis revealed the following left temporal regions and underlying white matter pathways as crucial for general sentence comprehension: the left mid-posterior superior temporal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus and superior temporal sulcus and the inferior longitudinal fasciculus, the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, the middle longitudinal fasciculus, the uncinate fasciculus and the tracts crossing the most posterior part of the corpus callosum. We further found significant involvement of different white matter tracts connecting the left temporal and frontal lobes for different sentence types. Spared connections between the left temporal and frontal regions were critical for the comprehension of non-canonical sentences requiring long-distance retrieval (spared superior longitudinal fasciculus for both subject and object extraction and spared arcuate fasciculus for object extraction) but not for comprehension of non-canonical passive sentences and canonical declarative sentences. Our results challenge traditional language models that emphasize the primary role of the left frontal regions, such as Brocas area, in basic sentence structure comprehension. Our findings suggest a gradient of syntactic complexity, rather than a clear-cut dichotomy between canonical and non-canonical sentence structures. Our findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the neural architecture of language comprehension and highlight potential directions for future research.

Stroke alters blood flow to the brain resulting in damaged tissue and cell death. Moreover, the disruption of cerebral blood flow (perfusion) can be observed in areas surrounding and distal to the lesion. These structurally preserved but suboptimally perfused regions may also affect recovery. Thus, to better understand aphasia recovery, the relationship between cerebral perfusion and language needs to be systematically examined. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate (i) how stroke affects perfusion outside of lesioned areas in chronic aphasia and (ii) how perfusion in specific cortical areas and perilesional tissue relates to language outcomes in aphasia. We analysed perfusion data from a large sample of participants with chronic aphasia due to left hemisphere stroke (n = 43) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 25). We used anatomically defined regions of interest that covered the frontal, parietal, and temporal areas of the perisylvian cortex in both hemispheres, areas typically known to support language, along with several control regions not implicated in language processing. For the aphasia group, we also looked at three regions of interest in the perilesional tissue. We compared perfusion levels between the two groups and investigated the relationship between perfusion levels and language subtest scores while controlling for demographic and lesion variables. First, we observed that perfusion levels outside the lesioned areas were significantly reduced in frontal and parietal regions in the left hemisphere in people with aphasia compared to the control group, while no differences were observed for the right hemisphere regions. Second, we found that perfusion in the left temporal lobe (and most strongly in the posterior part of both superior and middle temporal gyri) and inferior parietal areas (supramarginal gyrus) was significantly related to residual expressive and receptive language abilities. In contrast, perfusion in the frontal regions did not show such a relationship; no relationship with language was also observed for perfusion levels in control areas and all right hemisphere regions. Third, perilesional perfusion was only marginally related to language production abilities. Cumulatively, the current findings demonstrate that blood flow is reduced beyond the lesion site in chronic aphasia and that hypoperfused neural tissue in critical temporoparietal language areas has a negative impact on behavioural outcomes. These results, using perfusion imaging, underscore the critical and general role that left hemisphere posterior temporal regions play in various expressive and receptive language abilities. Overall, the study highlights the importance of exploring perfusion measures in stroke.

Background Protection provided by seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) may be measured against numerous outcomes, and their heterogeneity may hamper decision-making. The aim of this study was to explore outcomes used for estimation of SIV efficacy/effectiveness (VE) and obtain expert consensus on their importance.Research design and methods An umbrella review was first conducted to collect and map outcomes considered in systematic reviews of SIV VE. A Delphi study was then performed to reach expert convergence on the importance of single outcomes, measured on a 9-point Likert scale, in principal target groups, namely children, working-age adults, older adults, subjects with co-morbidities and pregnant women.Results The literature review identified 489 outcomes. Following data reduction, 20 outcomes were selected for the Delphi process. After two Delphi rounds and a final consensus meeting, convergence was reached. All 20 outcomes were judged to be important or critically important. More severe outcomes, such as influenza-related hospital encounters and mortality with or without laboratory confirmation, were generally top-ranked across all target groups (median scores ≥8 out of 9).Conclusions Rather than focusing on laboratory-confirmed infection per se, experimental and observational VE studies should include more severe influenza-related outcomes because they are expected to exercise a greater impact on decision-making.

Abstract Optimal immune function is crucial in preventing cancer development and growth and for the success of anti-cancer therapies. Here, we characterized the peripheral immunological status of 83 steroids-naïve pediatric patients with central nervous system neoplasia at the disease onset. Tumors were classified into low-grade gliomas (LGG), high-grade gliomas (HGG), medulloblastoma, and other tumors. We revealed that glioma patients showed an altered lymphocyte pool. T-cells of HGG patients shifted from naïve to effector memory phenotype. LGG patients exhibited T-cell central memory expansion and higher T-cell activation. Interestingly, HGG patients displayed reduced thymic function. Furthermore, LGG and HGG patients showed reduced activated B-cells and suboptimal B-cell formation. Our data demonstrate that glioma patients have reduced lymphopoiesis at the disease onset, which could contribute to the systemic lymphopenia characterizing these patients. This study offers novel insights into the immunological status of brain tumor patients which may help in designing more effective treatments.

Introducción y Objetivos: La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) es un grave problema de salud pública que implica elevados costes para los servicios sanitarios. Sin embargo, no existen estudios de impacto económico. El objetivo de este estudio fue intentar evaluar el coste de la insuficiencia cardíaca. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo con análisis estadístico. La población de este estudio fue el total de pacientes hospitalizados en un período de ocho meses con diagnóstico primario de IC. Las variables se organizaron en grupos: demografía, diagnóstico, pruebas diagnósticas complementarias, terapia farmacológica, datos clínicos, procedimientos, profesionales y hospitalización. Resultados: El gasto total fue de 648.416,64 euros (4.103,90 euros ± 2.563,36). El principal costo fue la hospitalización, que representó el 44,67% del costo total. En las pruebas paramétricas se identificó diferencia significativa entre la autonomía del paciente, la causa de la descompensación, la diabetes mellitus, la clearence de creatinina y el número de días de internación. Sólo el aclaramiento de creatinina presentó diferencia estadística respecto al coste total. Introduction and Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a serious public health problem that involves high costs to healthcare services. Nevertheless, economic impact studies are absent. The aim of this study was to try to assess the cost of heart failure. Methods: A retrospective observational study with statistical analysis was performed. The population of this study was the total number of hospitalised patients in an eight-month period with the primary diagnosis of HF. The variables were organised into groups: demographics, diagnosis, complementary diagnostic tests, pharmacological therapy, clinical data, procedures, professionals, and hospitalisation. Results: The total expense was EUR 648,416.64 (EUR 4,103.90 ± 2,563.36). The main cost was hospitalisation, which accounted for 44.67% of the total cost. In the parametric tests, a significant difference was identified between the autonomy of the patient, the decompensation cause, diabetes mellitus, creatinine clearance, and the number of days of internment. Only creatinine clearance presented a statistical difference when compared to the total cost. Conclusions: Although several variables were tested, only creatinine clearance proved to directly influence the costs.

Abstract Cancer predisposition syndromes are recognized in about 10% of pediatric malignancies with several genes specifically involved in a subset of pediatric tumors such as DICER1, in pleuropulmonary blastoma, cystic nephroma, and brain sarcomas. By contrast, the role of BRCA1/2 in pediatric cancer predisposition is still under investigation. We present two cases of young first-degree cousins, both carrying a germline BRCA2 variant and developing tumors characterized by somatic DICER1 mutations. Patient 1 presented with a cystic nephroma harboring a somatic DICER1 variant (p.Asp1810Tyr), while patient 2 had a primary intracranial DICER1-mutated sarcoma showing a distinct somatic DICER1 variant (p.Asp1709Glu) as well as biallelic inactivation of TP53 (p.Val173Leu, VAF 91%) and APC (p.Ile1307Lys, VAF 95%) and a pathogenic variant in KRAS (p.Gln61His). Both patients carried the same germline BRCA2 variant (p.Arg2842Cys) of unknown significance. The same variant was found in the mother of patient 2 and in the father of patient 1, who are siblings. A homologous recombination deficiency signature was not identified in any of the two tumors, possibly suggesting a reduction of BRCA2 activity. The association of BRCA2 and DICER1 variants in our cases hints at a potential cooperative role in cancer pathogenesis. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the interplay between BRCA1/2 and DICER1 variants and their implications for cancer predisposition and treatment in pediatric patients.

Glaciers in the Alps are losing mass at unprecedented and accelerating rates. Monitoring of glacier mass change as well as relevant atmospheric parameters plays an important role in improving understanding of local and downstream impacts. We present sub-seasonal, seasonal, and annual glaciological mass balance data and meteorological observations from Mullwitzkees and Venedigerkees, two glacier monitoring sites in the Hohe Tauern range of the Austrian Alps. Ablation stake networks were established on Mullwitzkees in 2006/07 and on Venedigerkees in 2011/12. Monitoring is ongoing. In addition to stake readings at sub-seasonal intervals, accumulation measurements (snow pits and probing) are carried out seasonally. The glaciological dataset consists of sub-seasonal floating-date measurements as well as fixed-date seasonal and annual values. The fixed-date glacier-wide mass balance was derived from annual point mass balance values. Automatic weather stations measuring standard meteorological parameters were installed near Mullwitzkees and Venedigerkees in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Meteorological data are provided in 10 min intervals. Uncertainties in individual point mass balance measurements were computed following the approach of the Swiss Glacier Monitoring (GLAMOS) programme, taking into account estimated density and reading errors. The sub-seasonal mass balance records highlight shorter-term variability in mass loss and the linkage with meteorological conditions. The most negative annual point mass balance recorded in the period of record was −5.8 ± 0.66 m w.e. at an elevation of 2536 m on Venedigerkees, and 2022 stands out as the most negative mass balance year to date in both time series, particularly at higher elevations. The cumulative specific mass balances (glacier-wide) over the period of record were −14.68 m w.e. at Mullwitzkees and −8.79 m w.e. at Venedigerkees. Data are available in the PANGAEA publication series and the associated datasets. The main publication series are updated annually. The Mullwitzkees mass balance datasets can be found in Stocker-Waldhuber et al. (2016) (https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.965660) and Stocker-Waldhuber et al. (2024d) (https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.965719). The Venedigerkees data can be found in Seiser and Fischer (2016) (https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.965648) and Seiser et al. (2024d) (https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.965729).

Suicidality poses a significant public health threat and stands as a leading cause of death and disability. Aside from committed suicides, a substantial portion of suicidal behaviors comprises suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. These events may be characterized by a non-fatal outcome, shedding light on the possibility of recurrence. The objectives of the present study were to assess hospitalization rate trends related to any suicidal event and to elucidate the risk factors associated with recurrent suicidal behaviors. In this population-based study, an observational descriptive analysis was conducted on all hospital discharge forms (HDRs, Italian SDO) registered for the residents of the Veneto Region from 2012 to 2021. Cases of attempted suicide (AS) and suicidal ideation (SI) were defined according to ICD coding. Age-standardized hospitalization rates were computed with the direct method. Join Point Regression was used to assess the significance of variations in trends. Factor risks for the reiteration of suicidal behaviors were assessed by multivariate logistic regression. Higher prevalence of SI occurred among individuals under 40 years of age and those affected by psychiatric disorders. Conversely, among individuals aged 60 and above, AS was more common. SI turned out to be associated with a higher likelihood of reiteration compared to AS. Individuals suffering from personality disorders and those with a history of AS as index case exhibited increased risk for the reiteration of AS. Females, younger individuals, and individuals experiencing SI as first episode were instead identified as more likely to repeat this form of suicidal behavior. Contemporary economic and environmental crises, a recent pandemic, and numerous conflicts represent significant additional menaces to mental well-being. Our analysis highlights a concerning positive trend in suicide attempts and ideations, underscoring the imperative for Public Health Systems to implement targeted preventive strategies and mental health promotion campaigns. In the absence of structured suicide registries, we demonstrated that HDRs can serve as an invaluable foundation for preventionists to address the phenomenon and strategically plan interventions.

Abstract Background Mitochondrial diseases (MDs) are systemic disorders that can affect multiple organs. Renal manifestations, including renal tubular acidosis, are common because kidneys are particularly vulnerable to energy deprivation. Treatment of MDs is often complex and electrolyte replacement can be difficult especially in pediatric patients, because large and repeated amounts of oral supplements are needed but are not well tolerated. Case presentation We describe the case of a girl affected by Kearns-Sayre disease with severe renal tubular acidosis. The management of her metabolic acidosis was challenging because she showed persistent low levels of serum bicarbonates despite a progressive incrementation of oral bicarbonates. Furthermore, as a result to the ingestion of large amounts of alkali, the girl developed an aversion to oral supplementation. After positioning a percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) and starting enteral administration of bicarbonates (with daily boluses and continuous nocturnal infusion), she finally obtained an adequate electrolyte control, with a significant increase in her quality of life. Conclusions In MDs, the combination of nocturnal continuous enteral administration of alkali plus diurnal boluses may represent a valid solution to correct metabolic acidosis. It can also result in an improved patients’ quality of life, particularly in pediatric settings, where compliance to oral therapy is often lacking due to the large and repeated amounts of unpalatable bicarbonates solutions required.

The Younger Dryas stadial was characterised by a rapid shift towards cold-climate conditions in the North Atlantic realm during the last deglaciation. While some climate parameters including atmospheric temperature and glacier extent are widely studied, empirical constraints on permafrost temperature and snow thickness are limited. To address this, we present a regional dataset of cryogenic cave carbonates (CCCs) from three caves in Great Britain that formed at temperatures between −2 and 0 °C. Our CCC record indicates that these permafrost temperatures persisted for most of the Younger Dryas. By combining ground temperatures with surface temperatures from high-resolution ground-truthed model simulations, we demonstrate that ground temperatures were approximately 6.6 ± 2.3 °C warmer than the mean annual air temperature. Our results suggest that the observed temperature offset between permafrost and the atmosphere can be explained by an average snow thickness between 0.2 and 0.9 m, which persisted for 233 ± 54 d per year. By identifying modern analogues from climate reanalysis data, we demonstrate that the inferred temperature and snow cover characteristics for the British Isles during the Younger Dryas are best explained by extreme temperature seasonality, comparable to continental parts of today's Arctic Archipelago. Such a climate for the British Isles necessitates a winter sea ice margin at approximately 45° N in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Organic acids are prevalent in the environment and their acidity and the corresponding dissociation constants can change under varying environmental conditions. The impact of nanoconfinement (when acids are confined within nanometer-scale domains) on physicochemical properties of chemical species is poorly understood and is an emerging field of study. By combining infrared and Raman spectroscopies with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we quantified the effect of nanoconfinement in silica nanopores on one of the fundamental chemical reactions-the dissociation of organic acids. The pKa of formic and acetic acids confined within cylindrical silica nanopores with 4 nm diameters were measured. MD models were constructed to calculate the shifts in the pKa values of acetic acid nanoconfined within 1, 2, 3, and 4 nm silica slit pores. Both experiments and MD models indicate a decrease in the apparent acid dissociation constants (i.e., increase in the pKa values) when organic acids are nanoconfined. Therefore, nanoconfinement stabilizes the protonated species. We attribute this observation to (1) a decrease in the average dielectric response of nanoconfined aqueous solutions where charge screening may be decreased; or (2) an increase in proton concentration inside nanopores, which would shift the equilibrium towards the protonated form. Overall, the results of this study provide the first quantification of the pKa values for nanoconfined formic and acetic acids and pave the way for a unifying theory predicting the impact of nanoconfinement on acid-base chemistry.

Abstract Recent development and progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms made clear that this topic is a paradigm shift with respect to the past. High throughput and ability to do complex tasks makes AI a great field of opportunity. This advancement is somehow limited by the physical implementation of the chips that are still bound to the historical von‐Neumann Architecture with processing units and memory hardware spatially separated. The way data is bussed and processed needs disruptive innovation, rather than an evolutionary approach, too. In Analog In‐Memory Computing (A‐IMC) the typical properties of resistance‐based memory technologies are used to both store and compute information. This allows for incredibly high parallelism and removes the problems related to the known von‐Neumann bottleneck. In the present work, A‐IMC networks based on resistive memories and on the Phase Change Memory (PCM) technology, in particular, are extensively discussed. After a first review of the general features of PCM devices, their application to A‐IMC is described, aiming at a full description of the current technological scenario.